Press file photoDerek Brooks averaged 16 points a game with GRCC in the 2006-07 season.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Derek Brooks, who played basketball at Grand Rapids Community College and Northview High School, has signed to play next season at Davenport.

The 6-foot-4 225-pound Brooks is the fourth signee for the Davenport Panthers who are coming off their best season in school history with a 32-5 record and a trip to the NAIA Final Four.

“As we analyzed our needs for 2012-13, we felt it necessary to get one or two older kids who are able to keep us playing at a National Tournament level, said coach Burt Paddock, who lost four seniors. "The addition of Derek definitely does that.”

Brooks averaged 16.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 2.0 steals per game at GRCC.He last played with the Raiders in 2006-07.

A major car accident at the end of his freshman year sidelined Brooks, and he focused his attention on his family and schooling.

.“We’ve been working with Derek to make him a member of our basketball family for nearly a year, added Paddock. Derek has the ability to be a game-changer for us as he is incredibly strong and is versatile in that he can play a variety of positions on the floor and has a real knack for scoring the basketball. We are looking forward to Derek’s play but, more importantly – leadership to help guide us next season.”

“It is a great feeling to be a part of the Davenport men’s basketball program and more importantly the school," said Brooks. "Throughout the recruitment process, the coaches have been nothing less than great! This is a fantastic university, and I cannot express how excited I am to be given the opportunity to play again,”
Derek plans to major in Sport Management at Davenport University.